Charming Shanghai: 5-Day, 4-Night Inbound Tour Highlights: The Bund, Lujiazui, Oriental Pearl Tower, Huangpu River, Tianzifang, Sinan Road, Yu Garden, City God Temple, Jing'an Temple, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Day1

Shanghai

Today, take a flight to Shanghai on your own. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the city’s most popular and bustling commercial thoroughfare. Here you’ll find a wide array of department stores and brand flagship outlets, offering an extensive variety of products from numerous well-known international brands, as well as many time-honored Shanghai food establishments.

Afterward, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise, where iconic landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Lujiazui “Three Giants,” and the Bund unfold before your eyes.

4 Attractions

The Bund
The Bund is located on the bank of the Huangpu River in the central Huangpu District of Shanghai City. It is one of the most symbolic attractions in Shanghai. It is 1.5 kilometers long and walks from south to north. On the left side is the wide Zhongshan East 1st Road, with dozens of foreign buildings with different styles lined up on the roadside. Close to Shanghai's mother river, the Huangpu River, giant ships shuttle through the river, and on the other side of the river stand skyscrapers such as Jinmao Tower and the World Financial Center. At night, neon lights are shining on both sides of the Pujiang River, making it suitable for walking on the Bund with your lover and feeling the charm and romance of the "City that Never Sleeps".
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lujiazui
Lujiazui is located on the bank of the Huangpu River in Pudong New District, opposite the Bund across the river. It is the leading financial business district at home and abroad and is now the most charming place in Shanghai. Bringing together high-rise buildings such as the Oriental Pearl, Shanghai International Convention Center, and World Financial Center, the numerous skyscrapers make people feel like they are in an urban forest. At night, standing on top of high-rise buildings and overlooking the brightly lit night view, you will feel the modernity of a first-tier city more. This is a place where fashionistas gather, various international brands, and a good place for shopping.
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The Oriental pearl tower
The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower, commonly known as the “Oriental Pearl,” is located at No. 1 Century Avenue in Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Situated on the banks of the Huangpu River, it stands against the backdrop of Lujiazui’s modern skyscraper complex and forms a striking visual dialogue with the historic international architecture ensemble of the Bund on the opposite shore. Recognized as one of Shanghai’s Top Ten New Landmarks, the tower features five observation decks, making it one of the best vantage points for panoramic views of the entire city. It also houses an aerial revolving restaurant—the highest of its kind in Asia. When it comes to Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower is unquestionably preeminent. This towering structure on the Huangpu River not only embodies Shanghai’s rich historical and cultural heritage but, with its distinctive silhouette and impressive height, has become a must-visit destination for countless travelers.
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Nanjing Road
Shanghai’s Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of China’s most iconic commercial promenades and a landmark attraction in Shanghai. Long hailed as “China’s No. 1 Commercial Street,” it is an absolute must-visit for travelers to the city. The area boasts numerous classic landmarks, such as the legendary Peace Hotel with over 90 years of history, its century-old revolving doors, vintage-style shop windows evoking old Shanghai charm, and the No. 1 Food Store. It also features many popular photo spots that capture the essence of the district’s attractions, including the Bubble Mirror at Century Square and the M&M’s Flagship Store.
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1 Experiences

Huangpu River Cruise
Take a cruise ship to the Huangpu River, and you can see the bustling scenery along the river.
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Day2

Shanghai

After breakfast, head to Tianzifang, one of Shanghai’s most down-to-earth and lively historic neighborhoods, where a mix of architectural styles and diverse commercial ventures create a vibrant street-life atmosphere.

Next, visit Sinan Mansions, named after Sinan Road. This area features clusters of garden villas that capture the cosmopolitan charm of old Shanghai, making it a favorite spot for photographers.

Continue your tour at Yu Garden, a renowned classical Jiangnan garden and a famous cultural landmark both in China and abroad. It ranks first among the five surviving classical gardens in Shanghai.

Then make your way to the City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao). Located in the old town of eastern Huangpu District in the city center, this expansive area combines sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Here you can fully experience Shanghai’s folk customs and savor authentic local snacks and Shanghainese cuisine. A visit wouldn’t be complete without strolling across the winding Nine-Turn Bridge, where you can admire the koi below and the Lake Heart Pavilion beside it—whether taking photos or feeding the fish, it’s a delightful experience.

Finally, visit Jing’an Temple. Tucked away amid the bustling Nanjing West Road in central Shanghai, this resplendent, time-honored thousand-year-old temple offers a striking contrast to its modern surroundings.

5 Attractions

Tianzifang
Tianzifang, located at Lane 210 on Taikang Road in Shanghai, China, is a renowned cultural and creative arts district famed for its unique alleyways and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Known as Shanghai’s “alleyway wonder,” Tianzifang features chic boutiques nestled within traditional Shikumen gatehouses, where the warmth of everyday life coexists intriguingly with a touch of bourgeois elegance. Though its narrow lanes are bustling with people and steeped in commercial energy, they still harbor artisan craftsmen and stories of the old city. This blend of street-level vitality and artistic flair captures the quintessential Shanghai style. As a “village within the city,” Tianzifang imbues the textured fabric of Shikumen architecture with artistic warmth, allowing every visitor to touch the soul of Shanghai amid its lively ambiance and creative spirit.
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Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden, located at 168 Fuyou Road in Huangpu District, Shanghai, is regarded as one of the “Three Famous Gardens of Ming-dynasty Shanghai,” together with Luxiang Garden and Rishe Garden. It ranks first among the five extant classical gardens of Shanghai. With its characteristic Jiangnan garden scenery, Yuyuan embodies the artistic style of southern Chinese gardens during the Ming and Qing dynasties—marked by serene elegance, refined beauty, and exquisite intricacy. The garden also preserves a substantial collection of cultural treasures, including ancient and renowned trees, Ming- and Qing-era furniture, calligraphy and paintings by celebrated masters, clay sculptures, brick carvings, and inscribed plaques and couplets, thereby encapsulating the essence of China’s rich traditional culture and arts.
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Chenghuang Temple
Shanghai City God Temple is located in the City God Temple Tourist Area in the center of Shanghai City. It is also called the Old City God Temple. It is a famous Taoist temple in Shanghai. Most of the tourists who come to the Chenghuang Temple Tourist Area come here because of the snacks and Yu Garden. However, they don't know that there is a Taoist temple in the south of Yu Garden that takes peace in the middle of the city. Moreover, it is a historic holy place for praying, where you can feel the local religious culture.
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Jing'an Monastery
Jing’an Temple, also known as Jing’an Ancient Temple, was first built during the Three Kingdoms period and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Shanghai. The complex follows a layout with the main hall at the front and a pagoda at the rear, centered on three principal structures: the Mahavira Hall, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, and the Hall of the Three Sages. With its thriving incense offerings and devout crowds, the temple’s architecture blends Tibetan Buddhist elements, imbuing the site with an air of mystery.
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Sinan mansion
Sinan Mansions is a historic district in the heart of Shanghai, distinguished by its extensive ensemble of garden villas. It serves as a “living museum” where visitors can experience Haipai (Shanghai-style) culture and the transformations of modern Chinese history. Notable figures from modern and contemporary China—such as Zhou Enlai, Mei Lanfang, and Liu Yazi—once resided here, imbuing each building with rich historical memory. On site, you can appreciate a comprehensive array of classic Shanghai residential architectural styles from the modern era, including detached garden villas, semi-detached garden villas, detached garden villas with inner courtyards, townhouses, veranda-style buildings, new-style lane houses, garden lane houses, and modern apartments. The area has also served as a filming location for productions such as Tiny Times 3 and Daddy’s Back.
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Day3

Shanghai

After breakfast, visit [1933 Old Millfun], designed by the renowned British architect Balfours. In recent years, it has been rediscovered and transformed into a vibrant and creative cultural industry park. This building not only reflects the advanced industrial technology of its time but also integrates Art Deco style, showcasing the unique aesthetics of that era.

Next, head to [Duolun Road Cultural Celebrity Street], where you’ll find numerous former residences of famous figures and art galleries, offering insights into Shanghai’s cultural history.

Enjoy a city walk through Shanghai’s most artistic park, [Lu Xun Park]. Named after the celebrated writer Lu Xun, this park invites you to “read his works and walk the paths he once tread.” If you can’t make it to Shaoxing, Lu Xun’s hometown, then Shanghai’s Lu Xun Park is the perfect alternative.

Finally, explore [M50 Creative Park]. Originally the Shanghai Chunming Coarse Textile Factory, M50 has evolved into a creative hub centered around art, creativity, and lifestyle. Brimming with artistic ambiance, it’s an incredibly photogenic spot.

3 Attractions

Duolun Road Culture Mingren Street
On a small street in Shanghai, retro small foreign-style buildings and figure sculptures can be seen everywhere along the road. Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Guo Moruo and many other literary heroes once lived here. In addition, there are Hongdetang Church, Xishi Bell Tower, Leftist League Memorial Hall, etc. This was once a place where dragons and tigers were hidden in the cultural world. There are many art exhibition halls, such as Duolun Museum of Modern Art, Shanghai Newspaper Museum, etc., where you can feel the strong cultural atmosphere. There is a very famous old movie cafe on Duolun Road, which reveals the "old Shanghai feeling" of Zhang Ailing's era everywhere.
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Lu Xun Park
Lu Xun Park was established in honor of the renowned writer Lu Xun. It preserves several sites and memorial structures associated with his life, making it an important place for learning about his biography and cultural legacy. Within the park are nationally protected cultural heritage sites, including Lu Xun’s Tomb, the Shanghai Lu Xun Memorial Hall, and Mei Garden, which commemorates the heroic act of Yun Bong-gil that shook modern history. As soon as you enter the park, you can feel its vibrant, lively atmosphere. In early April, cherry blossoms bloom throughout the grounds, adding a touch of romance to the scenery.
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M50 Creative Park
M50 Creative Park is one of Shanghai’s earliest and most iconic art districts, often hailed as “Shanghai’s 798.” The park is home to more than 100 galleries, art institutions, and artists’ studios from around the world, alongside a scattering of independent designer boutiques, artisan workshops, and creative cultural concept stores. It’s an ideal place to feel the pulse of Shanghai’s contemporary art scene and to explore avant-garde galleries and artists’ studios. M50 appeals to wanderers who love to explore, have a passion for art, and seek unique urban experiences. Here, you can touch the most authentic and vibrant heartbeat of Shanghai’s contemporary art.
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Day4

Shanghai

Today, I took a leisurely stroll through Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Qingpu District, Shanghai—the ancient town most beloved by foreign visitors. Brimming with vibrant everyday life, it exudes warmth and familiarity at every turn: potted plants on street corners, wisps of cooking smoke rising from rooftops, and laundry drying on balconies. It’s a wonderful place to experience local folk culture. Compared with other ancient towns in Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is more accessible by public transport, while still retaining the classic charm of Jiangnan’s water towns. With its small stone bridges arching over gentle streams and an atmosphere steeped in antiquity, Zhujiajiao perfectly captures the subtle elegance and lively spirit of the Jiangnan region.

1 Attractions

Zhujiajiao
Nestled at the northern foot of Jiufeng Mountain and along the shores of Dianshan Lake lies Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a fan-shaped settlement embedded in a picturesque landscape of lakes and hills. As a quintessential water-town of southern Jiangnan, it features an intricate network of canals weaving through its streets and alleys, creating an exceptionally elegant ambiance. Major attractions include Fangsheng Bridge, North Street, Kezhi Garden, and the City God Temple. Visitors can also glide through the town’s waterways on small boats, immersing themselves in the unique charm of “small bridges, flowing water, and riverside homes.”
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Day5

Shanghai

After breakfast, head to Wukang Road, Shanghai’s most renowned historic and cultural street. Celebrated as one of the city center’s most European-style neighborhoods, Wukang Road is distinguished by its French Renaissance architecture and lined with lush plane trees, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Today, Wukang Road blends history with contemporary trends: it boasts 37 heritage buildings and was once home to notable figures such as Ba Jin, Huang Xing, and Soong Ching-ling. Along the street, you’ll find an array of cafés, restaurants, flower shops, antique stores, and trendy boutiques.

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your journey back home.

1 Attractions

wukang road
Wukang Road is renowned for its many former residences of celebrated figures. These buildings bring together representative works from different historical periods, countries, and architectural styles, showcasing Shanghai’s unique Haipai culture. As a precious cultural heritage, they bear witness to the integration and evolution of Eastern and Western cultures. The footprints left by these notable individuals constitute an invaluable spiritual legacy, while their former homes, imbued with distinctive cultural significance, have become highlights of the city’s humanistic landscape.
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Highlights

Itinerary

The Bund

lujiazui

The Oriental pearl tower

Nanjing Road

Huangpu River Cruise

Tianzifang

Yuyuan Garden

Chenghuang Temple

Jing'an Monastery

Sinan mansion

Duolun Road Culture Mingren Street

Lu Xun Park

M50 Creative Park

Zhujiajiao

wukang road